CAPAC Chair Calls for Answers Regarding Removal of Asian American Passenger from United Airlines Flight

CAPAC Chair Calls for Answers Regarding Removal of Asian American Passenger from United Airlines Flight

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) sent a letter to United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz, raising concerns over the violent removal of an Asian American passenger aboard United Airlines Flight 3411. Chair Chu also sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao requesting that she disclose any findings of DOT’s review of this incident. CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

“I am deeply disturbed by the footage of a ticketed United Airlines passenger being forcibly removed from his flight. U.S. airlines should ensure the safety of their passengers. In this instance, the mistreatment of an Asian American passenger in order to accommodate United’s employees resulted in serious physical injury and an appalling abuse of rights. As more details regarding this incident continue to emerge – including the recent revelation that the flight was not oversold – we are left with more questions than answers.

“I sent a letter to United Airlines and the U.S. Department Transportation asking for complete clarity behind this matter, including answers as to why violent force was necessary to remove this passenger, and whether any Federal laws or regulations were violated during this horrific incident. I look forward to a prompt response to these letters. No passenger should feel unsafe while flying.”

A full copy of both letters can be found below.

Letter to Oscar Munoz, Chief Executive Officer of United Airlines:

April 11, 2017

Mr. Oscar Munoz

Chief Executive Officer

United Airlines

233 S. Wacker Drive                    

Chicago, IL 60606

Dear Mr. Munoz:

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I write to express serious concern regarding the handling of an overbooked United Airlines flight during which an Asian American passenger was forcibly removed from the aircraft.

Over the past few days, multiple videos have surfaced online of aviation security officers violently removing David Dao from his seat aboard United Airlines Flight 3411. According to multiple news reports, this incident occurred after United Airlines attempted to bump four ticketed passengers from a Chicago to Louisville flight in order to accommodate its own employees. Four passengers, including Dr. Dao, were randomly selected for removal. However, after Dr. Dao questioned these efforts, he was aggressively thrown to the ground and dragged off the flight by aviation officials.

United’s public response to this situation has resulted in more questions than answers. Although overbooking is a common practice among many commercial airline carriers and is not illegal, I am deeply concerned by the disturbing actions taken by United to remove Dr. Dao.

I am also concerned by the internal memo you sent to United Airlines employees earlier this week during which you noted that crewmembers “followed established procedures for dealing with situations like this.”

In order to better understand how exactly United’s “established procedures” led to this disturbing treatment of a ticketed passenger, I request your response to the following questions:

1.      Under what specific conditions in United’s current procedures are violent uses of force acceptable to the airlines and aviation security personnel?

2.      Which of the aforementioned conditions were met in this situation that led to the violent removal of United Airlines passenger Dr. David Dao?

3.      Does United Airlines plan to implement any policy changes as a result of this incident?

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,              

JUDY CHU

Member of Congress

CAPAC Chair

Letter to Secretary Elaine Chao, Department of Transportation:

April 11, 2017

The Honorable Elaine Chao

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary Chao:

As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I write to urge the Department of Transportation to conduct a thorough investigation into the alarming handling of an overbooked United Airlines flight during which an Asian American passenger was forcibly removed from the aircraft.

According to multiple news reports, United Airlines wanted to bump four ticketed passengers from a Chicago to Louisville flight in order to accommodate four of its own employees. The airline allegedly offered passengers vouchers up to $800 before randomly selecting four passengers for removal. One passenger, Dr. David Dao, questioned these efforts and was violently dragged off the flight by aviation security.

United Airlines’ public response to this situation has resulted in more questions than answers. Although overbooking is a common practice among many commercial airline carriers and is not illegal, I am deeply concerned by the disturbing actions taken aboard United Airlines Flight 3411 to remove Dr. Dao.

While I understand that your Department is currently reviewing this case, it is imperative that we have more information on the industry practices that led to this particular incident and whether these policies meet Federal standards. Your Department is uniquely positioned to protect passengers from such gross violations of their basic rights. I request that you share any findings from your review with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, including whether any Federal laws or regulations were violated during this incident.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

JUDY CHU

Member of Congress

CAPAC Chair